Christmas 2011 has passed, but in reflecting on the past year, it’s an appropriate time to recall Mama’s words from 1941. She made it a point to remind her only son that I should always be grateful, regardless of circumstances.

“Be thankful of any and all gifts under the tree,” she said.

That’s as true now as it was then, especially after I showed my selfish streak on that Christmas Day 70 years ago.